Saganaki is a cooking term that’s used to described many a Greek dish. It goes well beyond just the flaming the cheese dish you see served at Greek restaurants with the usual “OPA” being shouted by the well-scripted waiter.
A “sagani” is the cooking vessel with two handles, like the one you see my photos. So, there are many saganakis out there with different ingredients and many regional twists on flavours and preferences.
Today, you get Shrimp Saganaki….one of the most beloved of the Greek appetizers (mezedes). Being from northern Greece (Macedonia), we like to add some some heat – this dish is usually spicy.
I’ve added also added some mushrooms into the mix. It’s not usual but mushrooms work here – try it!
When you take a bite of this meze, you get the sweetness of the shrimp and tomatoes, some heat from the hot peppers, a slight tartness from the Feta.
What you have hear is a shrimp bake with a sweet and chunky tomato sauce, some peppers, oregano, Greek feta and the result is an aromatic, eye pleasing appetizer that was made for bread-dunking, Ouzo sipping and a total disregard for time.
Invite some friends over, prepare an array of small mezedes, break out the Ouzo, the crusty bread and catch up with old friends or make some new ones.
Shrimp Saganaki
(serves two)
8 jumbo shrimp
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 cup button mushrooms, sliced
1/2 small onion, diced
2 Tbsp. green bell pepper, sliced
2 Tbsp. red bell pepper, sliced
2 Tbsp. diced hot banana pepper
(depending how spicy you like your dish)
1 cup grated ripe tomato
1 tsp. dried Greek oregano
1 shot of Ouzo
half cup Greek feta, coarsely crumbled
Grated Kasseri (or other white cheese like Gouda or Gruyere)
salt to taste
Oven set to Broiler
- In a saucepan, add your olive oil over medium-high heat and add your mushrooms and sweat for 2-3 minutes or until they have browned.
- Now add your onions, peppers, tomatoes and Ouzo and simmer for another 5-7 minutes or until you end up with a nice thick sauce. Take off the heat, adjust seasoning, add oregano and stir in.
- Add half your sauce to the bottom of the vessel, place your shrimp on top, then the remaining sauce and your crumbled Feta and your Kasseri cheeses.
- Place on the upper rack of your oven and broil for about 5 minutes or until the shrimp have turned pink and the cheese becomes a golden brown.
- Serve with crusty bread, Greek ouzo and with good company.
PRO TIP: To make this dish even tastier, make it with whole, head-on shrimp
TOP TIP: Buy Feta cheese at most grocery stores but the best Feta and Kasseri is found at Greek shops.
128 Responses
Happy nameday, Peter — the shrimp dish looks like the perfect way to celebrate!
Happy nameday! Chronia Polla! Garides Saganaki happen to be one of my own personal specialties so I can appreciate where you are coming from on this. Though, I do remove the shells and use a clay baking vessel, however the idea remains the same and I am sure it tasted great! All the best, Peter!
Happy nameday to you!
You’ve gone and done it now – I am really wanting those shrimps. That dish looks amazing Peter…..Jan drools over the screen.
The pictures are fantastic – as always.
Happy Name Day! :-) That shrimp dish sounds incredible. Have a great day!
Had to wipe the drool off my monitor, gads does this look delicious and so easy to make too.
Perfect small meal for the food critic and I.
Happy Name Day!
Peter — just last night I was at a dinner party were the origins of Saganaki where discussed. Someone said Cyprus (I think they meant haloumi), while another person said Crete. Any ideas?
Paul
Happy Name Day Peter! Wow two great celebrations in a month! How lucky are you? The shrimp dish looks incredible, I want!
happy nameday peter
Happy Name Day, Peter! We Italians celebrate name days too. We call them Feast Days (how appropriate).
I am printing the recipe out as I write this. It looks soooo good! I can’t wait to try it. If only I could find gorgeous prawns with heads like yours…..
What a delicous way to celebrate your name day. I hope you are being good.The dish looks incredible.
Happy name day! The shrimp saganaki looks gorgeous! Have to make that real soon.
I love the tidbits you share about the family. . .great to see how close you all are.
Xronia Polla, Pantelis! No better way to enjoy your name day than with Shrimp Saganaki – yours is gorgeous!
Happy name day Peter! That dish is making me hungry and I’ve just had a big dinner! It looks amazing – a fab dish to celebrate the day :-)
Happy, happy! You know, it never fails. I stop by here knowing I’ll ingest calories through my monitor. Your food is always amazing. This dish is especially fab. Had Ouzo only once in a dish (a shrimp dish like this a friend was making for our dinner party…) and while we were cleaning up, it fell on the floor and broke. *sigh* What a waste. But it certainly was delicious!
Allen, thanks…it tasted as good as it looked.
Sam, I don’t think I’ve met a Greek who doesn’t love this, other than the few who don’t do seafood, thanks for your wishes.
Jan, this would taste much better than the pc screen, no? lol Thanks for your kind thoughts.
Thanks Theresa, it was delish.
Ohiomom, thanks…you’ll love and wipe the plate clean with this one.
Paul, Halloumi is def. Cypriot, saganaki (the vessel), varying theories out there.
Judy, this one’s a keeper…you know my recommendations are good, right? ;)
Thank you Maria!
Sticky…this is the one to try.
Glamah, I’m behaving…preamble to Greece!
JS, family and friends is very important with Greeks.
Laurie, efharisto…gotta treat myself, no?
Jen, save it for another time…it’s a food showstopper.
Kelly, this dish should recreate those flavours…you’ll see!
Happy name day Peter:D I have to “get me” a saganaki pan:D
Happy nameday my friend! And, thank you for education on the significance of this occasion, the pan and the dish.
ΧÏονια πολλα Παντελη! And what a fantastic way to celebrate. It’s true when you say there are a few versions of this…but they all taste good…hope you had a good day.
Hey there Happy Name day to you!!
I love the stories and the meaning behind your kick ass dishes!!
What are you trying to do to me with this one!! Are you kidding me ;) OMG these look so amazing that I want to reach thru the monitor and grab one!! You offered to cook dinner can this be the appetizer?
Cheers
Cathy
http://www.wheresmydamnanswer.com
Happy Name Day! I love that this recipe is for one serving. I wouldn’t want to share this delicious dish either. :)
Dear Peter Happy Name Day!! Like your history about your family!! and about food what can I say??? Im absolutely in love of your food!!!!
I really die by shrimps, prawns,gambas or similars and This!! look so yummy, xxxGloria
Happy Name Day! I so enjoyed learning about your family history and your connection to Agios Panteleimon.
It’s been years and years since I had Saganaki, and although I enjoyed it then, I bet I would swoon in delight eating this. I like that pan you cooked it in, too.
Salude! to you on your special day.
Oooh, nice. Looks wonderful.
Happy nameday! Yes, eat whatever you want, whenever you want. It’s your day!
Where, oh where, did you find shrimp that look like that?
That dish looks like something out of a magazine!
I’m not surprised you chose this as the dish of your day, it looks stupendous. Have a happy name day.
XRONIA POLLA! Happy Nameday! You keep turning out winners one after the other. How do you do it?!?
Happy Name Day Peter! I love this dish and have ordered it many times at a resturant here called “Greek Islands”, I absolutely love the flavor of this, although no mushrooms were added with mine, I would gladly welcome them!
Happy Nameday to you..so different from the name that we take on in India.
Have feasted on a mussel saganaki….never this…a very informative post regarding ur culture.
OMG, that wonderful dish looks ever so scrumptious! A great combination of flavors!
Cheers,
Rosa
OMG, that wonderful dish looks ever so scrumptious! A great combination of flavors!
Cheers,
Rosa
OMG, that wonderful dish looks ever so scrumptious! A great combination of flavors!
Cheers,
Rosa
OMG, that wonderful dish looks ever so scrumptious! A great combination of flavors!
Cheers,
Rosa
OMG, that wonderful dish looks ever so scrumptious! A great combination of flavors!
Cheers,
Rosa
OMG, that wonderful dish looks ever so scrumptious! A great combination of flavors!
Cheers,
Rosa
OMG, that wonderful dish looks ever so scrumptious! A great combination of flavors!
Cheers,
Rosa
OMG, that wonderful dish looks ever so scrumptious! A great combination of flavors!
Cheers,
Rosa
You are now so famous that they name days after you??????He-he!!! You are one of a kind, Peter!
As or this recipe…it looks like a heart attack waiting to happen, but what a way to go?
You are now so famous that they name days after you??????He-he!!! You are one of a kind, Peter!
As or this recipe…it looks like a heart attack waiting to happen, but what a way to go?
You are now so famous that they name days after you??????He-he!!! You are one of a kind, Peter!
As or this recipe…it looks like a heart attack waiting to happen, but what a way to go?
You are now so famous that they name days after you??????He-he!!! You are one of a kind, Peter!
As or this recipe…it looks like a heart attack waiting to happen, but what a way to go?
You are now so famous that they name days after you??????He-he!!! You are one of a kind, Peter!
As or this recipe…it looks like a heart attack waiting to happen, but what a way to go?
You are now so famous that they name days after you??????He-he!!! You are one of a kind, Peter!
As or this recipe…it looks like a heart attack waiting to happen, but what a way to go?
You are now so famous that they name days after you??????He-he!!! You are one of a kind, Peter!
As or this recipe…it looks like a heart attack waiting to happen, but what a way to go?
You are now so famous that they name days after you??????He-he!!! You are one of a kind, Peter!
As or this recipe…it looks like a heart attack waiting to happen, but what a way to go?
Happy name day! I love the melted cheese atop the shrimps … so beautiful, and I love huge shrimps like these…
Peter, I just love reading about your Greek ways and customs! What a lovely idea! I have always wanted to go to Greece, ever since I was a child and we are thinking next year we just may do that. But where to go . . . where to go . . . it all looks and sounds lovely! Just like your shrimps! Todd would adore those I am sure!
Buon onomastico! That’s happy name day in Italian. A day late, sorry about that, hope you enjoyed it.
Peter
First of all Happy Name Day!!
As of the shrimp saganaki, you are a real Greek chef, if you cook them with ouzo:))
I’ve never tried mozarella in this saganaki, just feta, I am sure that mozzarella melts nicely, I have to try it:)
Hi Peter, just to let you know, I made your Greek Cazpacho Soup this weekend. It was amazing, thx!
Hi Peter, just to let you know, I made your Greek Cazpacho Soup this weekend. It was amazing, thx!
Hi Peter, just to let you know, I made your Greek Cazpacho Soup this weekend. It was amazing, thx!
Hi Peter, just to let you know, I made your Greek Cazpacho Soup this weekend. It was amazing, thx!
Hi Peter, just to let you know, I made your Greek Cazpacho Soup this weekend. It was amazing, thx!
Hi Peter, just to let you know, I made your Greek Cazpacho Soup this weekend. It was amazing, thx!
Hi Peter, just to let you know, I made your Greek Cazpacho Soup this weekend. It was amazing, thx!
Hi Peter, just to let you know, I made your Greek Cazpacho Soup this weekend. It was amazing, thx!
Shrimps and cheese can never be wrong – and this is the proof!
Val, thanks…the saganaki pans are around.
Pete, thanks mate….yes, a few variations but the tomato, feta & shrimp base are the constants.
Cathy, thanks and that dinner offer stands…a dish like this is perfect for two to share.
Dragon, the 1 portion recipe is easiest to post as it's an appetizer or a meal for your instance!
Gloria, I do like telling people (bit by bit) about myself and family…gambas rock!
Paula, really? How could you wait so long to have Shrimp Saganaki? Thanks for your kind wishes.
Thanks Emiline…it'll be a whole week of doing what I want! ;)
Natashya…here in the 416…plenty of places with beauty shrimp like these.
Jan, thanks…it's one of my favourites.
Anna, thanks…I guess I'm just lucky!
Marie, it does get ordered alot at Greek eateries and rightfully so. Try adding the mushroom – it plays well with shrimp.
Rachel, mussels saganaki is another favourite of mine…will update & post one in September.
Rosa, thank you!
Nina…LOL…not quite but I do like Saint I was named after.
Forkful…shrimps are always welcome on my plate.
Really stunning pics here- true essence of summer time!
Happy Nameday Peter!!!
first time i heard about this shrimp dish and i’m already a fan!! i love it!! have fun on your trip!!
Happpy name day!!! Hey, I want a day to celebrate, is there a sain for Pam name day? Shrimp looks amazing as usual!
Happy nameday Peter!!!
We actually have a neighborhood called Pantelimon, not far from where I live.
After seeing this delish shrimp dish I really need a saganaki.
Happy belated nameday Peter! I know for sure you had a great time after those pictures you posted, that Shrimp Saganaki looks delicious! And the Saganaki looks like our “Paellera”, the recipient to make Paella. Lovely story of your name too ;-)Nat
Happy belated nameday Peter!! I understand the whole ‘big deal” thing of namedays… that’s also a habit in the M.East too. It’s like having 2 bdays/year! Great dish, everytime i check your blog it’s bursting with taste and sending out Greek sunshine to me!! Thank you for that!
Happy Name Day!!! The Spaniards celebrate name day, too…usually for people that are named after saints. :) The Shrimp Saganaki sounds like the Ideal way to celebrate, Peter! OPA! Muac! :D
And I’m so sorry, but I am cracking up at Sam Sotiropoulos’ comment…”polla” means something dirty in Spanish. lol ;)
Well, this explains why you Greeks are such a happy lot – lots of fun holidays!
Happy nameday!
This is great. I’ve made a similar dish in the past, but adding the mushrooms is a really creative and delicious touch. I’ve never seen mozzarella in this dish, though. It looks great.
Hey, shorty, it’s your name day. Gonna party like it’s your name day. Drink Bacardi, err…Ouzo like it’s your name day.
You should call it Shrimp Nagasaki cuz it blows other shrimp dishes away! God, that was in really poor taste.
Happy Name Day Peter! Pass the Ouzo.
I’ve made your Shrimp Tourkolimano 3 times already! This one sounds great too. I really like shrimp + feta. And speaking of trying your recipes, we did grill the lamb the other night with the herbed salt, I’ll be posting tomorrow. Thanks for that as well.
There was I thinking saganaki was fried halloumi – but that is just the pan you fry it in! I like learning new stuff.
I’ve nominated you for the Arte y pico blogging award – http://foodycat.blogspot.com/2008/07/thanks-alex.html
so beautiful, perfect!:-) belated happy name day
Happy name-day Peter! Please hand me the whole baguette to clean that plate!!!!! Mmmmmmm, this could easly be my favourite dish too :D
Happy nameday!!!! A day late… sigh!
Any shrimp left?
Thanks Donal and welcome aboard!
Dhanngit, it’s a much loved Greek dish.
Pam, no Greek nameday but we can create one!
Lore, best luck in finding a saganaki…maybe in Pantelemon?
Nat, you’re right it looks like a paellera but the bottom is not as heavy.
Marianna, you’re right…dont’ we love to celebrate?
Nikki, did they find a nameday for ya…st. Fargo? Mwah!
Marjie, thanks…we like a good party.
Fearless, I’ve seen other white cheeses used in Greece that melt like Mozzarella and I do luv me shrooms.
Heather, now you’re gonna have me hummin’ to Prince…that tall dude.
Lori Lynn…glad you enjoy the Tourkolimano so much…this is in the same vein…here’s the Ouzo!
Foody, indeed it’s name is from the vessel and thanks for the tag!
Shreya, thanks!
Nuria, lots of bread here and I’ll eat your cheese, ok?
Katie, shrimp comin’ up in Greece.
i love the idea of this dish. absolutely love it. now i just have to find a fish monger that allows me to buy shrimp with their heads on. there’s just something so delicious about ‘sucking the head’ – don’t get any wrong ideas about me people – it’s delicious!
Peter, happy Nameday to you! Your shrimp dish looks so delicious! Yum!
Looks great and i do miss the Ouzo:-)
X M
Happy name day!
I’m really a sucker for Greek food. But, this dish looks like it’s got it in the bag. Absolutely fabulous.
What a great custom to have a name day and equally as endearing to share it with people who mean something to you and you to them. Celebrating in style – gorgeous.
Xpovia Pola, Peter! Wow, does this ever look ridiculously good. I definitely need to give this a try. I’ve been thinking about it all day, since I saw it in my reader this morning :)
Drool everywhere!!! I love shrimp with the heads on ’em. And golden brown cheese. I’ve died and gone to heaven.
I always learn something from your posts, Peter, and found this one very interesting. Love anything I can eat with my hands.
Bon voyage, eh?
As if saganaki wasn’t good enough -you had to go and make it better! Awesome!
-DTW
http://www.everydaycookin.blogspot.com
the bright orange of shrimps and golden cheese…wowwww! glorious!
I just love the splash of Ouzo and the cheese in these shrimps.
Of course they did, Peter! San Nicolás! hehehe But I don’t celebrate my name day being a “giri” and all. (giri is the word for gringo around here)
Happy nameday, Peter! I love how blog hopping yields such fascinating insights :)
And thanks for the great recipe – I’ve got most of the ingredients but will have to sub the ouzo. What would be a decent option, do you reckon?
NeverFull…when in doubt…Chinatown!
Thank you so much Farida.
Matin, isn’t Ouzo easily found?
Thanks Lo and welcome!
Giz, as one person put it…it’s like 2 B-days in a year!
Elly, thanks and sorry to torture you all day! lol
Julie, the goeey cheese is essential for me…sauce and bread – yum!
Aimee, I lvoe shrimp like this (with shells and head), as I find them tastier and yes….leaving soon!
Welcome Darius and you are blessed with a cool name!
Rita, glorious is an apt way to describe this meal.
Helene, it gives a wonderful aroma and mild flavour to the dish.
Nikki, they still call ya a gringo? I protest!!!
Dee, glad to hear you’ll try it. If you don’t have Ouzo but still want that anise falvouring…try tarragon, anise seeds, fennel fronds or as an alternate booze, some brandy.
Wow, looks delicious! You photos are great and following your posts is always enjoyable.
Happy (belated) nameday! I never knew…
As for those shrimp, wow do they look good. It sounds delicious and I love the way they’re presented.
Happy (belated) nameday! I never knew…
As for those shrimp, wow do they look good. It sounds delicious and I love the way they’re presented.
Happy (belated) nameday! I never knew…
As for those shrimp, wow do they look good. It sounds delicious and I love the way they’re presented.
Happy (belated) nameday! I never knew…
As for those shrimp, wow do they look good. It sounds delicious and I love the way they’re presented.
Happy (belated) nameday! I never knew…
As for those shrimp, wow do they look good. It sounds delicious and I love the way they’re presented.
Happy (belated) nameday! I never knew…
As for those shrimp, wow do they look good. It sounds delicious and I love the way they’re presented.
Happy (belated) nameday! I never knew…
As for those shrimp, wow do they look good. It sounds delicious and I love the way they’re presented.
Happy (belated) nameday! I never knew…
As for those shrimp, wow do they look good. It sounds delicious and I love the way they’re presented.
Ah, a classic! Saganaki is the ONLY exception I make in the “no cheese with seafood” rule.
A fried oyster sandwich? Genius!
Happy nameday! This sounds really good! I like the sound of the cheese and tomato sauce with the shrimp.
Happy belated name day! I saw those tw prawns on a plate next to the bread and was in heaven – perfect.
Happy namesday, Peter!! I remember trying to describe this concept to my friends at school when I was little, but they didn’t buy the fact that I was able to have sort of a second birthday, haha!
You’ve got me craving some Greek food for dinner tonight!!
Happy Nameday! Now that you mention it, I remember in the Greek comunity in Port Elizabeth where I grew up the fuss that was made of namedays – fascinating. ANd as for the dish – holy guacamole you’re killing me here! Too delicious, sensory overload!
happy nameday! my husband is is Italian american and for his family saints days are very important. I adore shrimp, i might need to make this.
I always forget that your name is Pantelis! Happy belated nameday then. Your saganaki always looks delish!
happy namesday:-) what a fantastic treat this is!!!
that utensil is used every single day in my kitchen & in India.. we call it a KaRahi.
This is definitely my kinda dish! I think it would make a great breakfast, too- I’m starving!
Peter! How is vaca going? I know you’re having lots of cocktails and a ton of sun.
You know my love for shrimp so this is perfect. Washing this down with ouzo YEHOOO!
Chronia Polla Peter. A perfect way to celebrate:D
That looks fantastic! I love the cooking/serving vessel too. I need to get some of those…
Hope your name day celebration was lovely in July! ;-)
This dish looks absolutely mouth-watering. I think I’m going to have to stop reading and get some breakfast!
Peter,
XRONIA POLLA NA EISAI PANTA KALA!!
GYRISES APO TIS DIAKOPES SOY STHN PELOPONISSO ????
FILIA POLLA – POLLA !!!!!!!
Happy nameday Peter! looks like you celebrated in style :)
The shrimp looks amazing. Totally full of flavor. Happy belated name day.
Îα σαι καλά με τις Ï…Ï€ÎÏοχες συνταγÎÏ‚ σου Ïε πατÏίδα! ΔÎÏ‚ κι άλλες συνταγÎÏ‚
Oh, gosh — these have to be my favorite shrimp ever, from the look of things. I love your taste in celebration food, Peter.
Happy NameDay!!
I love little holidays like Name Day! anything to keep the excitement and joy throughout the year! This looks like a great way to celebrate, this dish does seem to have it all!
I’ve been away for a while, I’m catching up with all your posts!
Hey Peter, I am so late, but happy to know you have a nameday and it sounds so neat! Two parties a year just for yourself, yay!
Happy Belated Name Day!
Im drooling over those huge prawns. :)
This is such a great mix with shrimp, mushrooms, hot peppers. Love it!
I’m searching your site today for stuffed squid to see how your recipe compares to another one I have. I’m planning to make it this weekend. Thanks in advance!
I love shrimp with the heads still on. This dish looks so yummy!
I can have these shrimp every day of the week. Yum!
I made this yesterday Peter for L’il Burnt Toasts birthday and she asked me for the recipe:D